FOR THE first time in its 74-year history, Muintir na Tíre held its agm outside Co Tipperary last night, in Freshford, Co Kilkenny.
The community self-help movement, founded by John Canon Hayes in 1937, allows people to become involved in activities that lead to an improvement in the quality of life – socially, economically, culturally and environmentally.
The local Muintir group put on an exhibition in Upper Court Manor, which was once a school run by the Mill Hill order of priests. Guest of honour at last night’s celebration was Minister for the Environment Phil Hogan, who praised the work carried out by the organisation.
“We are very fortunate in this country in having a vibrant and diverse community and voluntary sector as there are thousands of charities and community organisations which contribute to Irish society in a myriad of ways by providing essential services in areas such as social care, childcare, health services, education, the environment, sport and culture.”
Mr Hogan said that the work carried out by Muintir na Tíre was a good example of the support a voluntary organisation could provide to Government and State agencies in developing communities.